New Testament
Revelation 12:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The serpent spewed water from its mouth like a river after the woman, trying to sweep her away in the flood.
Compare translations
And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
What Revelation 12:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 12:15, the imagery of the serpent spewing water like a river symbolizes the intense and relentless attacks against the woman, who represents God's people or the faithful. The serpent, often interpreted as Satan, seeks to overwhelm and destroy her with a flood of opposition and persecution. This verse illustrates the spiritual battle between good and evil, where the forces of darkness attempt to thwart God's plans. The water represents the challenges and trials that believers may face, but it also highlights God's protection over His people. Despite the serpent's efforts, the imagery suggests that God will ultimately prevail, and His faithful will be safeguarded from destruction. This passage serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between the forces of evil and the faithful, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst adversity.
How to apply Revelation 12:15 to your life
In our lives, we may face overwhelming challenges that feel like a flood. This verse encourages us to trust in God's protection and remain faithful, even when circumstances seem dire. We should seek strength in prayer and community, knowing that God is with us in our struggles.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Revelation 12:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Revelation 12:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 12:15 mean?
Revelation 12:15 describes the serpent, symbolizing Satan, trying to overwhelm the woman, representing God's people, with a flood of opposition and persecution. This imagery illustrates the spiritual battle between good and evil, highlighting the challenges believers face.
What is the significance of the serpent in Revelation 12:15?
In Revelation 12:15, the serpent represents Satan, who seeks to destroy God's faithful people through relentless attacks. The verse emphasizes the ongoing spiritual warfare and the efforts of evil to thwart God's plans.
What does the flood symbolize in Revelation 12:15?
The flood in Revelation 12:15 symbolizes the overwhelming challenges and trials that believers may encounter. It represents the intense persecution and opposition faced by God's people, but also signifies God's ultimate protection over them.
How does Revelation 12:15 relate to spiritual warfare?
Revelation 12:15 illustrates the concept of spiritual warfare by depicting the serpent's attempts to attack the woman with a flood. This imagery serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between good and evil in the lives of believers.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.